Hundreds Push the Boat Out in the south west

Push the Boat Out at Shirehampton © RYA

Hundreds of people across the south west, from Cornwall to Gloucestershire, had a go at sailing and windsurfing during a weekend of perfect weather on 14 and 15 May.

The nationwide RYA Push the Boat Out campaign gives all comers the chance to get on the water for free or low cost over nine days, so there are lots more opportunities coming up this week and into next weekend for those who haven't yet 'taken the plunge'!

Upper Tamar Lake Sailing Club near Bude, in collaboration with the SW Lakes Trust, had four pirate ships working all day, taking over 100 people out for a sailing experience, Sidmouth Sailing Club had a very busy open day, and between them, the OTC and the Andrew Simpson Sailing Centre on Portland introduced more than 400 people to sailing and windsurfing.

Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club near Bristol tweeted: "Push the Boat Out at Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club with 55 visitors and a number of new members. Great day!" while Shirehampton Sailing Club said: "Club members welcomed 30 guests and 28 of them took to the water in sailing dinghies with sailing instructors or experienced helms. A great time was had by all. The slightly worried faces of the guests as they got into the dinghies had turned into big smiles at the end of their trip."

Axe Yacht Club near Seaton said on their Facebook page: "Push the Boat Out today - what a success!! The yard was full of visitors all day. Several enjoyed a trip out on sailing cruisers, 17 adults and 18 under 18s experienced taster sails in dinghies, lots of interest in motor boating/fishing and the RYA courses we offer too - and all enjoyed the fantastic refreshments put on by the social team. Thanks to all Club members who helped make it a great day. The feedback from visitors about the Club was amazing!!!!"

No fewer than 30 sailing clubs and watersports centres across the whole of the South West have been offering opportunities to try this exciting and varied sport during the campaign. Each open day and taster session is different depending on the activities each club or centre offers, but all Push the Boat Out events are geared to showcase what the sports are all about - from the freedom of being on the water to the social buzz of club life - and will highlight just how accessible sailing actually is to everyone.

Want to know more about Push the Boat Out in May? Visit www.rya.org.uk/go/ptbo

More than 65,000 people have discovered the sport through Push the Boat Out since its launch in 2012. Nationally, 2015 Push the Boat Out saw almost 28,500 newcomers attend events at almost 350 locations across the UK.

With British Sailing Team sailors amongst the world's best, sailing always enjoys a boost in Olympic years and Push the Boat Out is a great way to discover a new outdoor sport to enjoy this summer. Make sure you don't miss this opportunity to get afloat.

Duncan Truswell, RYA Sport Development Manager, said: "Over the past four years Push the Boat Out has enabled thousands of people who may never have even considered giving sailing a go the chance to try the sport. Many of these have since become club members and volunteers and are inspiring others to follow their lead and try the sport.

"Clubs and centres continue to get better and better at providing a warm welcome, and we are really excited for this year's Push the Boat Out, which I'm sure will prove even more popular. 2016 is gearing up to be the perfect year to get into sailing."

Love Boating? Then why not join the association that promotes and protects, safe, successful and rewarding British boating. Join today and support the RYA in protecting your boating rights and freedoms. Take advantage of free advice and support on all aspects of your boating, as well as enjoying a range of fantastic personal member offers. Find out more by calling 02380 604 159, email or visit www.rya.org.uk